Steam gang-plow.



APPLICATION FILED APR.2B,1906.

PATENTED NOV. 27, 1906.

A. G. KERN. STEAM GANG PLOW.

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APPLICATION FILED APR.28,1906.

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PATENTED NOV. 27, 1906.

' A. G; KERN.

STEAM GANG PLOW. APPLICATION FILED APR.28,1906.

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STEAM GANG-PLOW.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 27, 1906.

Application filed Ap il 28, 1906- Serial No. 314,314.

T u all 1 071 012) it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALBERT G. KERN, a citlzen of the United States, residing at Batthe Creek, in the county of Calhoun and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Steam Gang-Flows; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

The present invention especially relates to that class of plows wherein a framework is provided to which a series of plows are attached, the same being hauled by a tractionengine; and among other objects the present invention contemplates the use of a triangular frame within the forward front side of which a pivotal axle is provided and to the rear extremity and land side of which a castear-Wheel is attached, the individual stubs of the pivotal axle of which are directly connected to the forward axle of the engine by means of guide-rods, whereby the plow-gang will simultaneously be guided to follow the engine without a lbng dethnr at the end of the headlandpvhereby the frhmcwork will be simple, compact, and rigid and self-supporting independent of the engine, whereby the trucks of the plow-framewill always track on hard and unplowcd ground, whereby the individual plows may be independently adjusted in their attachment to the plowframe, whereby the plows may be raised from the soil independently of the steam hoisting-cylinders, whereby the plows may yield or rise lindcpendently of one another when striking obstructions, whereby a tender having a large capacity for holding water and fuel may be carried between the forward trucks of the frame, and, finally, it consists in certain other novel features in construction and manipulation, which will be more fully set forth in the following specification and particularly pointed out in i e claims.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 is a side view of a traction-engine with the gang-plow attached, the plow being represented only by the forward truck and its tender. Fig. 2 is a bottom or reverse side of a traction-engine and the for- Ward framework to the gang-plow, showing the connections for attaching the engine to the plow-frame. Fig. 3 is a detail front View of the forward or pivotal axle to the plowframe. Fig. 4 is a land-side elevation of the ganglow. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the same. Fig. 6 is a detail and shows the individual means for attaching a plow to the main frame and also shows a plow elevated and the yielding --onnection between plows. Fig. 7 is a detail of the yielding brackets comprising a way and its guide partially moved in their connection. Fig. 8 is a modified form of the yielding brackets. Fig. 9 is a detail f the hoisting mechanism and shows a ham lifting-lever brought forward in the mode of lifting the plowgang independently of a hoisting-cylinder. Fig. 10 is a crosssection of the plow-frame loop and its connecting-plate, and Fig. 11 is across-section of the parallel frame-supports.

In the drawings like marks of reference refer to corresponding parts throughout the different views.

The main frame A comprises a triangular metallic loop formed from U -shapcd channel-iron joined together by a similar-shaped plate A, by rivets, or otherwise, the channel of the frame facing inwardly. This frame has two substantially rectangular sides, of which the side 1, adjacent to the engine B, is designated as its forward or front side, and the side 2 at right angles therewith forms the land side, the oblique side 3 being desig nated as the furron side.

\Vithin the forward portion of the plowfrai'ne and normally parallel with the front side thereof, is fitted the main wheel-carrying axle to the plow-frame, supported by the wheels ii, and at the intersection of the land side 2 and the oblique or furrow side 3 a third or caster wheel N is located. This caster-wheel is in alincment with the outer land side front wheel and is secured to the frame A by two oppositely-dis osed plates 44, through which the stem 0 the caster is reeeived, shown.

To the furrow side of the plow-frame an L -shaped metallic bar 0 is attached. This bar forms the main-plow draw-beam, to which the individual plows of the gang are attached, and it is secured to the low-frame by means of bolts 4 and draw-r0 s 5, 6, and 7, the several rods radiating from a broadened rear extremity of the main draw-bar D, to which they aresecured by means of nuts 8, run on an L or upturned end of the same, the rod 7 passing obliquely throu h the rear extremity of the angular looped frame A and being attached very closely to the extremity of the bar C.

The rod 7 where it passes through the main frame is provided with jam-nuts 9 either side of the frame to render its attachment rigid therewith. In the drawings, jam-nuts are shown on the outer side of the frame only, owing to the concave cross-section thereof.

Longitudin'ally with the frame two rear Wardly-inclined frame-pieces E and F are provided, their forward ends being bolted di rectly to the front side of the main frame, and at points where they pass over the axle G, tapering shims 10 are placed, and bolts connectively unite the several parts, and at their rear extremities double-legged brackets 11 securely hold the same to the main frame, the legs of the respective brackets being bolted directlyto the main frame, as shown.

Suspended between the frame-pieces E and F uponv hangers 12, hooked over the inner edges of said frame-pieces, a tender H is carried. This tender is verylarge and roomy, capable of holding a large volume of water for the engine, and is provided with a coalbunker on the top thereof of considerable capacity. 1 This tender is placed over the axle to the plow-frame and in immediate proximity to the engine, where water and coal may be supplied to the engine without any inconveniencewhatever.

To the L of the main-plow draw-beam C individual 'clevises 13 are pivoted, and to these clevises individual plows are attached by means of bolts 14.

The forward ends of the respective plowbeams are either flattened and-drawn out or are provided with clevises 15, Fig. 6, having a series of vert1callyarranged pin-holes for attachment to the clevises 13, the arrangement of the clevises being such that the in dividual plows may be set to plow deep or shallow, as may be found expedient.

Secured to the respective plow-beams 16, backward of their attachment to the main plow-frame, a series of clips 16 are provided,

- with t emain hoisting .65

and from these clips short chain-sections 17 are united to-a lift-beam I. From the liftbeam hoisting-chains 18 and 19 are trained over grooved rollers 20 in brackets 21 at the rear extremities of-the frame-piecesE and F and are connected to pistons 22 of the steam hoisting-cylinders J, secured to the forward ektremities of said frame-pieces. From the engine a steam-pipe 44 communicates with'the pipe 45, which leads to the cylinders J either side of the tender.

Located at or near the rear extremity of the tender and pivoted between the sides of the frame-pieces E and F hand-levers K are provided. These levers have short angular projections 23, Which-lie within the bottom of the side pieeeswhen the levers are in a normal or backward position as in Fig. 4. From these rejections short chains 24 are united chains;

It is often of convenienceto emnloy ahand pendently of one another, yet keep in alinement with respect to the gang. This mechanism consists of a series of brackets 25 and.

26, bolted to the respective plow-beams and having vertical sliding joints at their interlocking connections. In the drawings I haveshown the plow arranged in pairs and alternating pairs provided with sliding connections therebetween,

the oppositely-disposed plows being solidly united by means of a connecting-bar 27. However, it would be apparent that the sliding connections could be placed between every plow in the gang or at various intervals in the gang other thanbetween every other pair, as shown.

The bracket or race 25 has a T-shaped head 28, which is adapted to loosely fit within a corresponding recess or groove within the bracket or way 26, the T-shaped head 28 and the Way 26 being arc-shaped and describing a circle from the clevis-bolt 14, where theplow is attached to the draw-beam C. In Fig. 8 a modified form of bracket for this purpose is shown. The race 25 is pivoted to a stud 25*,

forming a part of the main bracket 25, the

way or bracket 26 not differing from the way heretoforedescribed.

Referring now to the mechanism for steering the plow-gang, B represents a tractionengine of ordinary construction having the forward-steering-wheels 29 mounted at either end of the swivel-axle'30, to which is attached the customary guide-chain 31, which in turn is wound about the drum 32, suspended beneath the boiler and operated by means of the hand-wheel shaft 33 and connective worm-gear mechanism 34 and 35, as ordinarily employed for steering tractioneengines. The axle Within the forward end of the frame A comprises two angular op ositelydisposed metallic plates or axletrees C? and G, between the curvedends of which the Wheelstuhs 36 are pivoted by vertically-arranged bolts 37. To these stubs the two mainframe-supporting wheels L are fitted. In alinement with the individual stubs and 0' posite the pivotal connection thereof a l; stubs are forked or slotted, as at 38, and between these slotted ends the outer extremity of the pivotal connecting-bar M is fitted. This bar is secured between the axle-pieces G and G by means of a king-bolt N, which also passesthrough the main draw-barD. At either spacing-spools 39 are provided. The bar M at either end thereof is providedwith a slot side of the bar between the pieces G and G" 40, and at the tips of the forked ends 38 of the axle-stubs a pin 41 is placed, which is received through the slotted ends of the aforesaid bar, the object of the slotted extremity to the bar providing a yielding means for the oscillation of the wheel-stubs on their pivots in their connection therewith. At the outer extremities or forked ends of the wheel-stubs ears 42 are provided, and to these ears the steering-rods 43fron'1 the engine are attached.

From either end of the swivel-axle 30 the flexible extremity or chain connection with the steering-rods 43 are attached, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. These connections run directly back from the axle at either side of the engine and attach directly to the cars 42 of the pivotal wlicel-stubs 36.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with the drawings, further explanation'of the operation of my improved gang-plow seems not necessary to a full understanding thereof.

Having, therefore, described my invention, What I claim as new, and desire to secure. by Letters Patent, is-

1 The combination in a gang-plow frame, of a reetangular-shaped loop, its right angles forming a front and a land side face, respectively, and its oblique angle a furrow-shite face, a wheel-carrying axl'e supported within the for ard end of said frame norn'lally parallel with said front-side face, and a easter- 0 wheel pivoted at the rear end of the loop and in alinement with a front land-side wheel, a plow-attaching draw-beam secured to the oblique angle of said loop, and parallel-arranged frame-pieces extending from the forward or front side and extending upwardly and outwardly over the oblique angle of said loop and secured thereto by means of olevateri supports.

2. The combination in a gang-plow l'ra me, of a rectangular-shaped loop formed of substantial U-shaped metal in cross-section, the concavity of the metal forming the inner surface of the loop, the right angles of said loop forming a front and a land side l'are, respecll\'(l and its oblique angle a furrow-side face, an L-sbapcd plow-altar-lung drawbcain secured to the oblique side of the loop, metallic, U-shap0d, parallel-armngrd framep eces extending from the front side of said forward end of said'ioop and. normally par- 5 loop, a pivrded. i

allcl with the front side thereof, a easier-i wheel pivoted at the rear extremity of the loop and in alineinent with a front land-side wheel, and elevated supports connecting the rearward ends of said parallel arranged frame-pie es with said loop, substantiall as, and for the purpose set forth.

is. The combination in a gangqvlow frame, of a I sialhc, rectangular-shapod loop, 'its right angles forming a front and a land side face, respectively, and its oblique side a furrow-side face, a pivoted wheel-supported axle mounted within the forward end of said frame, normally parallel with said front-side face, a caster-wheel pivoted at the rear end of the loop and in alinement with a front land-side wheel of the pivoted axle, a plowattaching beam secured to the furrow-side face of said loop a draw-bar rigidly secured at. the center of said axle and connected to the front-side face of said loop, and triple braces connecting at the rear end of the draw-bar, the two outer of which diverge from the central brace and all of which pass through the oblique or furrow-side face of said loop and engage the plow draw-beam, substantially as, and for the purpose set forth.

4. A triangular plow-frame, a plow-gang draw-beam obliquely disposed with said frame on the furrow side thereof, a plowgang attached to said beam, frame-pieces extending above and over said beam, a liftbeam obliquely disposed above said plowgang and to the rear of said draw-beam,

linked connections from said lift-bca1n to the I individual plows of said gang, and lift-clutins trained over said frame-pieces and connected with said lift-beam and means to raise and lower said lift-chains, substantially as, and for the purpose set forth.

' 5. A triangular plow-frame, a pivotal \Vl]UQl-SUPPOI'HLl axle mounted within the forward end of said frame, a caster-wheel pivoted at the rear extremity thereof and in alincment with a forward land-side wheel, a pl w draw-beam obliquely disposed on the furrow side of said frame. a plow-gang at tached to said beam, franie-pieces extending above and over said beam, at liftb am parallolly arranged backward and ab ve said. draw-bram,lift-ehains trained over sheaves at the extremities of said frame-nieces and connected with said liftsbeain, linked connections from said lift-beam to the individual )lUWS of said gang, and means to raise and lower said gang.

fl. A plow-frame, a plow-gang attached to said frana-r lho individual plows of said gang being individually attached to said frame in an oblique angle to said frame, a lift-beam, flexible connections from said beam to the individual plows of said gang, llexible connet-i ions between the respective plows 0 id gang. and means to raise ant lower said :gang from said frame. I

7. The rmnbination with a, plmvdrarne, e flow-grangr attached to said frame, and steam ioistingylinders mounted upon said frame,

5 of lifting-lovers pivotally mounted upon said frame, and a chain connection from said Iovers with the ln isting--cylinder chains, substantially as, and for the )urpose set fort by 8. A plow-fra1ne, a plow-gang, the indi- Vidual beams of the respective lows in said gang being ivoted and vertical y-adjusta'ble froman ob -que draw-beamof said frame, a hit-beam sus endedabovesa'id gang, flexible connections YA etween said beam and the respective lows of said gang, and means to raiseand owersaid gang.

9. A low-frame, a plow-gang, the individual ows of said gang being pivotedand vertically adjustable from an oblique beam of said frame, a lift-beam suspended above said gang, flexible connections from said beam to the respective plows of said gang, and slidableeonnections between the plows of said gang capable of permittingsaid-plows to have vertical moyement, yet retaining .them in parallel arrangement, and hoisting means attached to said lift-beam,- as and :for the purpose set forth and described.

-10. A plow-frame, a plow-gang, the individual lows of said gang being pivoted and vertiea y adjustable at their forward ends from sin oblique draw-beam of said frame, a way secured to'a plow, erase secured to-an opposite plow and adapted to slide gvithin said way that said lows may have vei'tieal movement indepen ent of'one another, and means to raise and lower said plows in unison.

1-1. A low frame, a plow-gang, the indi: vidual pl dws of said gang b'eing independently pivoted at their forward ends .te-a drawbeam,

a way secured to a plow,a-race secured to an op osite plow and adapted to slide within said way that said "plows may have corner of said frame and was-es vertical movement independently of (mean. other, and means to 8,186 and ilower said plows.

li i-t beam-and actuate the individual plows of 50 simultaneously, substantlally as,

said gan and for t is purpose setfonth.

13. A tnangular plow-frame presenting one side to the trout, supporting-wheels pivotally mounted within and a .caster.'-wheel mounted backward of'the ilandeside front wheel at the rear extremity-of said frame, a

low-gang, 'the individual plows ofsa'id gang eing attached to an obliqueand-turrow-side of said heme, the outer plows of said gang extending that said wheels may track upon the land side of the follow, substantially as, and for the purpose setforth.

ALBERT e. e; Witnesses E. J. Snow, 0. RUSSELL.

of said -gang baingindepend e9 ted --t0 slide in said 45 near either front 95 *beyond the path of said wheels 

